Goat Cheese Crostini with Rainier Cherries
These colorful Goat Cheese Crostini with Rainier Cherries are a simple, elegant bite that’s perfect for any summer gathering. Juicy cherries, creamy goat cheese, zesty lemon, fresh mint, and a drizzle of honey – pure summertime magic!
Why This Recipe is a Summer Stunner
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Quick Party Appetizer
Meet your new go-to summer appetizer! These Rainier Cherry and Goat Cheese Crostini are all about fresh, vibrant flavors. Sweet, juicy cherries paired with creamy goat cheese create the perfect bite.
A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh mint take these crostini to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a casual BBQ or a fancy dinner party, these are a quick and easy way to impress your guests.
Looking for more summer appetizer ideas? Be sure to try our peach tomato burrata bruschetta, prosciutto-wrapped apricots, easy seafood charcuterie board, fresh mango corn salsa, and our creamy whipped ricotta dip with garlic and fresh herbs.
Seasonal Produce Spotlight: Rainier Cherries
The Pacific Northwest is famous for its Rainier cherries, golden-hued and exceptionally sweet, available from late June to early August. These cherries offer a unique, melt-in-your-mouth experience and are packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Learn more about their benefits on Healthline.
Cherry harvest is a big event here, with many orchards offering U-Pick experiences. This supports local farmers and provides the freshest cherries. Check out this Washington Cherry Picking Guide.
Rainier cherries are versatile in the kitchen, perfect for both sweet and savory dishes like goat cheese crostini. Their sweetness and vibrant flavor make them a delightful addition to many culinary creations!
Key Ingredients
Baguette: Use a crusty baguette for the perfect base for your goat cheese crostini. Sourdough or a French loaf also work well. If you’re gluten-free, try using your favorite GF bread.
Goat Cheese: Softened goat cheese gives a lovely tangy flavor. For a milder taste, try using whipped ricotta or cream cheese. Vegan? Use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Rainier Cherries: These uniquely colored, sweet cherries are ideal, but any fresh cherries will do. Can’t find cherries? Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries are delicious swaps.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy goat cheese. Maple syrup or agave can be used as alternatives.
Lemon Zest: Brightens up the dish with its fresh citrus notes. Orange zest can be used in a pinch.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the honey-goat cheese mixture. It’s optional but recommended for an extra layer of flavor.
Flaky Sea Salt: Adds a bit of crunch and enhances all the flavors. Regular sea salt works too, but flaky salt gives a better texture.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Chiffonade (thinly slice) the mint leaves for a beautiful and fragrant garnish. Fresh basil or thyme can be used for a different flavor profile.
*Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
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Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Goat Cheese: Let your goat cheese come to room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to blend and spread smoothly on the crostini.
- Fresh Zest: Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest flavor. Zest the lemon directly over the goat cheese mixture to capture its aromatic oils.
- Balance Flavors: Don’t skip the flaky sea salt. It enhances the sweetness of the cherries and honey while balancing the tanginess of the goat cheese.
- Serve Immediately: These crostini are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their crispy texture. Assemble just before serving for the best results.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with toppings. Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts for extra crunch, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of acidity.
- Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, arrange the crostini on a serving platter in a single layer. Garnish with a few extra whole cherries and mint sprigs for an elegant touch.
FAQs
More Summer Party Appetizers
- Burrata Bruschetta with Peaches and Tomatoes
- Easy Breezy Summer Party Charcuterie Board
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Apricots with Honey and Brie
- Creamy Whipped Ricotta Dip with Garlic and Herbs
- Quick and Easy Seafood Charcuterie Board
- Goat Cheese Phyllo Cups with Balsamic Strawberries
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Goat Cheese Crostini with Rainier Cherries
Equipment
- 1 cherry pitter (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 baguette, sliced diagonally into ½-inch thick rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup Rainier cherries, pitted and halved (regular fresh cherries will also work just fine!)
- 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for optional drizzle
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, plus more for garnish
- flaky sea salt, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chiffonaded (sliced thin)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crostini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, honey, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Crostini: Spread about a tablespoon of the goat cheese mixture onto each toasted baguette slice. Top with a few Rainier cherry halves.
- Finish with Garnish: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, additional lemon zest, and chiffonaded fresh mint leaves on top for garnish. Drizzle with a small amount of honey if desired.
- Serve: Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Top Tips for Perfect Crostini
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose a crusty baguette, fresh Rainier cherries, and high-quality goat cheese for the best flavor.
- Room Temperature Goat Cheese: Soften goat cheese at room temperature for easy mixing and spreading.
- Even Toasting: Brush both sides of baguette slices with olive oil and toast until golden and crispy.
- Serve Immediately: Assemble the crostini just before serving to maintain their crispy texture.
- Fresh Zest and Herb Garnish: Use fresh lemon zest and chiffonade mint leaves for a bright, fragrant garnish.
Leftovers and Storage Instructions
- Goat Cheese Mixture: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Rainier Cherries: Keep pitted and halved cherries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Toasted Baguette Slices: Let cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To re-crisp, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes.
- Reassembling Leftovers: Spread goat cheese mixture on re-crisped baguette slices, top with cherries, and garnish as per the recipe.
Nutrition
*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.